THE BLUEPRINT:
A S P E L M A N S P O T L I G H T P U B L I C AT I O N Vol. 4, No. 1
A Look at What’s Inside:
Intellectual Framework for the Freethinker
CAU Alum Jamarion Robinson Murdered by U.S. Marshals By: Ashlea Brown
Pictured: Three students are on the left: Black dress with sandals is Jill Cartwright , Da’Shaun Harison has on blue jean shirt and to the left of him looking down is Taylor Mathews Photo courtesy: IDa’Shaun Harrison
More than Just a Crown p.2
Tony Director Kenny Leon Announces New AUC Partnership p.3
Museum Opening Africa Forecast p.3
A Shift in Tradition p.4
Atlanta: A New Look at Comedy p.5
The Year of Black Girl Magic p.5
The Dark Truth Behind the Crown p.6
September 2016
Up Close and Personal with Spelman’s New Dean By: Maya Mitchell
Spelman’s new dean of students, Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D., joined the college in May 2016. Dean BrownMcClure was previously the associate dean of residential life at Stanford University. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Jackson State University, a Master of Social Work from Boston University and her doctorate
in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin, but these outstanding achievements are not all that make her inspiring. The BluePrint got up close and personal with Brown-McClure to learn things about her that cannot be found on her resume. Brown-McClure grew up on the eastside of San Antonio, TX. Although
My Experience Movement Conference p.6
Vegan at Spelman p.7
Buy Black ATL p.8
The Return of Sports p.8
Pictured: Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D, Spelman College Dean of Students
at the Black Arts
On Friday Aug. 5, former Clark Atlanta University (CAU) student Jamarion Robinson was shot by U.S. Marshals in his girlfriend’s East Point, GA apartment. There were 18 bullet wounds found on Robinson’s body, and reports show that marshals fired at Robinson 95 times. U.S. Marshals came to the apartment with a warrant for Robinson’s arrest as a suspect in a police shooting on July 28. It was later revealed that Robinson was not the correct suspect. Robinson’s family identified him as a loving young man dealing with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which police were aware of. A group of students from the organization AUC Shut It Down (AUCSID) began to raise awareness on the death of Robinson. Morehouse junior Da’Shaun Harrison, doctoral CAU student Taylor Mathews and Spelman junior Jill Cartwright took the initiative to campaign for justice.
continued on page 7... San Antonio was a primarily black community, she never went to school in the area. Instead, she went to a school across town and was one of the few black students, a story similar to the high school experience of many students before attending Spelman. Brown-McClure’s parents were very invested in her education, especially her father, who encouraged her to explore black colleges during high school. “My father definitely wanted me to go to a black college, and I wanted the same. I didn’t know what it was like to be in school with people who looked like me, so I told myself that I would only apply to HBCUs, and that’s exactly what I did,” she said. Brown-McClure is aware of the importance of representation when it comes to people in positions of power. For this reason, she dedicates herself to having conversations with students that allow them to see themselves in new ways. But, she also finds time to have a little fun. “I love that there’s music randomly playing in the hallway here. I have to resist the urge to dance when “Knuck If You Buck” comes on since I’m an administrator,” she admits. Spelman reminds students that they are making a choice to change the world. When asked what she would change about the world, Brown-McClure shared a passion in representation of
continued on page 7...
2 September 2016 www.spelmanblueprint.com
The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS More than Just a Crown: Miss Spelman & her Court By: Bria E. Paige
to bring awareness to the importance of mental health. “Through my platform, I hope to create discussion and spaces of comfort and honesty about mental health issues using a creative platform to encourage people to engage without feeling like it’s such a taboo and unapproachable discussion,” Langston said. First attendant, Chadli Pittman, shares Langston’s vision of bringing awareness to mental health. Specifically, her platform focuses on breaking down the sometimes unhealthy expectations of the “ideal Spelman woman.” Pittman, a senior Comparative Women’s Studies major from Columbia, MD, emphasizes the concept of sisterhood at Spelman. Yet, this campus queen aims to change the culture at Spelman for the better, implementing “Sister Talks” and additional platform
events with the overall goal of making her Spelman sisters stronger. “I hope to set an example to my little sisters at Spelman and even my senior sisters that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay. It’s okay not to have everything together and it’s okay to share that because no one does,” Pittman said. Lastly, senior comparative women studies major and public health minor Alaya Martin, rounds out the royal trio as Second Attendant to Miss Spelman. Martin’s platform, Health is Power (HIP), empowers black women to focus on holistic health, including mind, body and spirit. Through HIP, Martin encourages women to protect their bodies, nurture their spirits and liberate their minds. After her reign as second attendant to Miss Spelman, Martin hopes to leave a legacy of activism. “I definitely want my Spelman sisters to see...and say she was an
activist. She was very passionate about issues at Spelman, issues in her society and issues about women’s health and she took action on it and really made a difference,” Martin said. These three ladies aim to become more visible on campus and work tirelessly for Spelman College and her constituents. “At the end of the day, I’m Queen, but I am here to work. I am a servant to the student body before everything. So, that’s my primary job,” Langston concludes.
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ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT: Chief Editors Pictured: IPictured left is Miss Spelman and her Court from left to right: 1st Attendant Chadli Pittman, Miss Spelman Daeja Langston and 2nd Attendant Alaya Martin
Miss Spelman and her Court have always played a vital role at Spelman and within the community. As ambassadors, the three chosen women represent academic excellence, ethical leadership, appreciation of diverse cultures and commitment to positive social change. More than just pretty faces, the Miss Spelman Court enacts change and creates new platforms to bring awareness to issues. The BluePrint spoke with the Miss Spelman court to learn more about each woman’s platform for the year. Daeja Langston, a senior economics major from Atlanta, GA, set her sights on the title of Miss Spelman second semester of her first year. Now reigning as Miss Spelman, Langston is working to become a mentor to all Spelmanites. Her platform, I S.E.E. You: Serving, Enchanting and Empowering, focuses on her passion
Tyler Stephens, Editor-In-Chief Bria Paige, Managing Editor Ashlea Brown, Copy Editor
Business Team Maya Mitchell, Marketing, and Communications Manager
Advisors Keena M. McClendon Audrey Author
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Thanks to all of our ontributing, staff, and featured writers.
Mission Statement It is the mission of The BluePrint to serve as a profound forum that fortifies understanding, unity and advocacy throughout the Spelman and greater AUC community. The BluePrint strives to produce innovative, fair and creative journalism that helps its readers understand the nation and world through the lens of African-American and Black women. Contact Us Email: bpexecutiveeditors@gmail.com Website: www.spelmanblueprint.com Instagram: TheSpelmanBP Twitter: @TheSpelmanBP
THE BLUEPRINT: A SPELMAN SPOTLIGHT P U B L I C AT I O N
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CURRENT EVENTS
“The fact that he will now reach back and extend his hand to you, and bring other young people forward is extraordinary,” said President Mary Schmidt-Campbell. “I’m excited that students get to see the work that goes into [a show]. A lot of students want to skip the process. Our students need to see what the process is like before hitting the streets with their degree,” said Spelman College drama professor Keith Bolden. Leon hopes that the new move will show students at HBCUs that “anything is possible...talent has no zip code.”
“I don’t think there’s an institution in the country that African American centric, that nurtures and develops talent on the level that it could be. What better place [to do that] than Atlanta?” said Leon. Students chosen for the show will spend a year in workshops, practicing with other experienced actors and directed by Leon. Leon’s move to give students professional experiences in theatre is reflective of his time at CAU. “When I was at school, students and professionals worked together,” he recalled. The AUC was a hub of creativity, where his peers were actor Samuel L. Jackson and directors Monty Ross and Spike Lee. Leon was born in a small town outside Tallahassee, Florida. Leon’s mother had him at the age of 15, so he was primarily raised by his grandparents. Growing up, he lived in two different worlds. While his grandparents made $10,000 a year, he attended one of the richest schools in Florida. After helping to integrate the school and later becoming class president, Leon attended CAU in 1974, feeling a “desire to connect with being black.” Throughout his career, Leon took risks in leaving jobs and searching for new opportunities. He advised students not to be “trapped by [your] own false sense of security,” and to continue pursuing new opportunities. In 1988, he became Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre, making Leon one of the few black people in the country with this position. After leaving Alliance,
continued on page 8... Pictured: Drama professor Keith Bolden, Spelman College president Mary Schmidt-Campbell, drama department chair Aku Kadogo, and Tony director Kenny Leon (from left to right) Photo courtesy: Spelman College
Pictured: Tony award-winning director Kenny Leon and Spelman College drama professor Keith Bolden Photo courtesy: Spelman College
2014 Tony award-winning director of “A Raisin in the Sun” and former Clark Atlanta University (CAU) alum, Kenny Leon, announced that the revival of his Tupac Shakur musical, “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” will pull half of its cast from Atlanta University Center (AUC) students. The show will kick off the fall 2017 season at Leon’s True Colors theatre in Atlanta, GA. Leon made the announcement during his conversation with drama department chair, Aku Kadogo, at the Spelman College Baldwin Burroughs Theatre Sept. 8.
Fashioning Contemporary Life By: Jordan Brown and Anuluwapo Adebowale
Pictured: Vanessa German (left) and Ayana V. Jackson (right) Photo courtesy: Jordan Brown
By: Tyler Stephens
Museum Opening Africa Forecast:
The original exhibit, “AFRICA FORECAST: Fashioning Contemporary Life,” kicked off the 20th Anniversary of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Arts, the only museum in the United States dedicated to the art of women of African descent. The exhibit features 20 artists and over 50 works of art. The art embodies black womanhood and fashion through sculptures, photography, garments, performance and video. At the Sept. 15 opening of the exhibit, artists Vanessa German, Ayana V. Jackson and Fabiola Jean-Louis discussed their love for art, the influence of art on communities and how art shaped their lives with co-curator Erika Dalya Massaquoi, Ph.D. “I make power figures, so sometimes they’re very specific, sometimes I make them to save somebody’s life and sometimes I make them to protect the spirit of imagination,”
said German on what messages she hopes her art conveys. Jackson is not only a featured artist in the museum, but a proud Spelman alumna.
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Pictured: Fabiola Jean-Louis art Photo courtesy: Jordan Brown
Tony Director Kenny Leon Announces New AUC Partnership
4 September 2016 www.spelmanblueprint.com
The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS Museum Opening Africa Forecast: Fashioning Contemporary Life
Pictured: A woman admires German’s sculpture in the museum. Photo courtesy: Jordan Brown
Pictured: A Spelman student admires that artwork within the museum’s newest exhibit. Photo courtesy: Jordan Brown
(continued)
...continued from page 3 “If you had told me in May 1999 that I would come back to this campus, I would say absolutely in some capacity, but if you told me it would be as an artist whose work would be presented on the museum’s walls, I would’ve laughed you off the campus…Spelman absolutely equips us with so many tools to go into so many disciplines,” Jackson said. Jean-Louis’s pieces speak about civil rights and trauma through colorful
fashion, photography, and sculpting. Using beauty, rather than pain, she aims to show the black experience in a different light. Some of the featured artists included Toyin Ojih Odutola whose art uses charcoal and pastels, Wura-Natasha Ogunji whose art is in video format and photographer Zohra Opoku. “AFRICA FORECAST: Fashioning Contemporary Life” will be open for viewing until Dec. 3, 2016.
A Shift in Tradition:
NSO Changes for Class of 2020 Typically, New Student Orientation (NSO) embodies traditions that Spelman has maintained throughout the years. However, NSO for the first year class of 2020 veered from traditions. NSO usually includes the Brother – Sister Exchange, induction and a history and traditions lesson from Spelman alumnae. During these ten days, first years are able to explore Spelman and meet students without the influx of upperclassmen. With NSO shortened to five days, many events were shortened or eliminated. Induction happened after the start of classes, the history and tradition test was eliminated and students were not bound to SpelJail, a time where Spelman students could not leave campus. Students were not given as in depth a review of course options and majors, which caused difficulties when registering for classes.
This year, Morehouse and Spelman administration did not conduct the Brother-Sister exchange. The Student Government Associations (SGA) from each school voluntarily took on the responsibility of carrying the tradition. While typically women wore white dresses to the ceremony, this year casual attire was the dress code. Cynthia Ziwawo, Spelman College’s SGA First Year Liaison, commented, “This year, the Brother-Sister exchange was a trial run, therefore it is unknown if it will continue as an SGA event. On the other hand, due to its success with the students, hopefully it will adapt to become an event that has large SGA involvement in the future.” Many students disagreed with the change of tradition. Sophomore Deanna Hayden said, “A lot of things are changing and Spelman wants to be a progressive school, but at
Pictured: Class of 2020 students line up for Olive Branch Photo courtesy: Spelman 2020 Facebook Page
By: Melody Greene
the same time tradition is very important.” First year biology major Erika Grimes believed, “We were not able to become as close as other classes before us because we were allowed to go off of campus.”
It is unsure if Spelman will keep this style of NSO. The class of 2019 may be the last class to have a 10-day orientation, as the shortened NSO may become a new tradition.
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ARTS & Entertainment Atlanta:
A New Look at Comedy You may know Donald Glover from his role in the NBC comedy, Community, or by his rapper name Childish Gambino. On Tuesday Sept. 6, Glover premiered the first two episodes of his new show Atlanta on FX, which he writes for, produces, and stars in. The show centers on Glover’s character, Earnest “Earn” Marks, a Princeton University dropout, and his cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry), also known as Paper Boi, whose rap career is gaining momentum. Earn takes advantage of Alfred’s potential and convinces Alfred to let him manage his career, but the challenges they face may keep them from succeeding. Earn has a low paying job and is nearly homeless while still trying to find a way to provide for his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa, and their daughter. Alfred is hooked on smoking weed and sells drugs business in order to finance his studio time to record his mixtapes.
Pictured: (from left to right): Keith Standfield (Darius), Donald Glover (Earn) and Brian Tyree Henry (Alfred) Photo courtesy: FX Networks
By: Kristin Burns
While the show focuses on the dramatic lives of Earn and Alfred, the audience receives comic relief from Alfred’s right hand man Darius (Keith Standfield). There are moments where the humor is blatant, and moments where the humor won’t produce audible laughter. That’s not because the show isn’t funny, but because a lot of the humor is cleverly woven into the dialogue. There are times
where the audience will laugh out loud, such as when Earn’s white friend freely throws the N-word around while talking to him, but won’t dare say it in front of any other black person. Along with the insightful humor, the show shines a light on societal issues, such as mental illness, specifically in the black community. A scene in the second episode focuses on sexuality,
transphobia and the urge for black men to prove their masculinity. Glover pays homage to the city of Atlanta through a cleverly written script and cinematography, which allows the audience to see the dark actuality of Atlanta. Atlanta airs on Tuesdays at 10/9c on FX.
The Year of Black Girl Magic
Many of the returning shows this fall star black women. The hit show, Empire,
returns to FOX for season three starring Oscar-nominee Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon. The hilarious ABC sitcom, black-ish, returns for a third season starring Emmy nominated actress, Tracee Ellis Ross. Ross made history by becoming the first black actress in 30 years to receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Comedy Series. Also, season three of How to Get Away with Murder starring Oscar-nominee and Tony award winning actress Viola Davis premieres on FOX. The increased representation of Black women in television is constantly challenging stereotypes often targeting Black women. This year, the MTV Video Music Awards showcased the success of black women in the music industry. During the night, Alicia Keys gave a touching speech in celebration of the 53rd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Following her performance was Beyoncé, who performed songs from “Lemonade” and Rihanna was honored with the
Pictured: Simone Biles Photo courtesy: results.nbaolympics.com
Pictured: Tracee Ellis Ross at the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Photo courtesy: http://tomandlorenzo.com/
It is 2016 and black girl magic is everywhere. Black women are leading roles in television and film, taking over the music industry and dominating in the world of sports.
Pictured: Beyoncé at the 32nd Annual Video Music Awards (VMA’s) Photo courtesy: www.billboard.com
By: Shala Murray
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The VMA’s was only a glimpse into the powerful impact black women had on the music industry this year. In the world of sports, gold-
medalists Simone Biles and Gabrielle Douglas dominated gymnastics. Simone Manuel became the first black woman to win gold in an individual Olympic swimming event, but she also set a new Olympic and American record in the 100-meter freestyle. These are just some of the black women that dominated their events in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Though black women continue to deal with societal issues, black girl magic displays the strength and resilience of black women to continue excelling.
6 September 2016 www.spelmanblueprint.com
The BluePrint
OPINION The Dark Truth Behind the Crown: Pageant Edition
Pictured: Miss USA 2016, Deshauna Barber, defies colorism as she takes the crown and title of Miss USA as a darker skin African American woman. Photo courtesy: @MissUSA Twitter Photos
By: Peyton Hawkins
When we think of beauty in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), we think of a celebration of grace and intelligence. However, it is ironic how beauty pageants have the ability to make contestants feel exactly the opposite- self-conscious and dissatisfied with their appearance. When I entered my first beauty pageant freshman year, I was completely unaware that I would face colorism, unconstructive criticism and pure judgement. It was not uncommon to hear comments like, “you look terrible, lose ten pounds” or “you need to lose your virginity because you have no sex appeal.” At first, comments like these did not affect me. However, during one of the rehearsals, a former beauty pageant contestant questioned why I was chosen as a queen because my skin was too dark. This colorist statement truly hit home, and in that moment I realized the culture of the AUC beauty pageants is contrived and sad. Throughout my life, I have always dealt with people judging me because of the color of my skin. However, I never thought I would experience colorism at one of the top historically black colleges in the country and have a black person question my significance due to my skin color.
Former beauty pageant contestant and Spelman College sophomore Tamera Brown says, “I have definitely questioned my self-esteem during pageants because it is hard not to compare yourself to someone you are competing with,” she said. “In life, people are always going to have something negative to say regarding your appearance or personality; however, I don’t let negative comments define who I am. Another person’s beauty is not the absence of my own. With that being said, entering a pageant in the AUC requires you to be secure with who you are as a person.” Brown sums it up perfectly by explaining how beauty pageants in the AUC can cause one to question their selfesteem. Yet, she refuses to let other people define her success. Although beauty pageants will continue to operate with the same procedures and expectations, in order to protect girls from being negatively affected with issues such as self-esteem, there needs to be a greater emphasis on inner beauty and affirmation of self-worth. No matter who you are or what you look like, the only opinion that really matters is the opinion of yourself. So my question is, do you have what it takes to wear the crown?
the Spelman panel was attended by the intellectual, Keith Leonard, whose quotes made a significant appearance in two of the papers presented. The conference was a rare chance
to see that the concepts introduced at Spelman continue to hold merit on our journeys as intellectual black women.
My Experience at the Black Arts Movement Conference During the weekend of Sept. 9, Dillard University hosted it’s first “Black Arts Movement” Conference in New Orleans, LA. Myself, Shaquette Spencer, Princeanna Price and Melanie FerdinandKing presented at the conference under the panel “The Fierce(Self) Love of Black Arts Women Poets,” which was chaired by Spelman English professor Sarah RudeWalker, Ph.D., who also presented on a panel about arts education. The conference was an ode to the Black Arts Movement of the late 20th century and to the intellectuals, young and old, who realize the importance of the black mind and shaping black conscious. Simply put, it was a conference of the woke. Throughout the conference, intellectuals like Haki Madhubuti, Askia Touré, Jerry W. Ward and others gave keynote addresses. These speakers were instrumental not only in the arts
and intellectual movement, but in the groundbreaking social movements, breathing new life into their ideas that helped to shape young presenters like us. Nowhere else would you experience poet, educator and author Madhubuti recite “Maroon Woman, feisty and sensual with Oshun beauty; the fierce, blue Gulf waters wash daily over your shadow,” verses from Askia M.Touré’s poem to Assasta Shakur. In the same breathe, Madhibuti gave a keyonte address where he said, “Ask a person if they know about black minds when they speak about bodies,” in the same conversation as “Don’t put Beyoncé down. Get her some books.” For us, the conference was a surreal experience and a physical manifestation of the last semester of African Diaspora and the World (ADW), populated by some of the authors themselves. In a surprising twist of fate,
Pictured: Spelman students and Professor Sarah RudeWalker attend the Black Arts Movement conference in New Orleans, LA. Photo courtesy: Dru Spiller
By: Dru Miller
The BluePrint
www.spelmanblueprint.com September 2016
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OPINION Vegan at Spelman By: Cylantra Dees
Spelman and it’s staff do their best to provide benefits for all students. One overlooked benefit maintained by Spelman and its staff is food quality and variety. Those with meat-oriented diets believe that the concept means good food and lots of it, but Spelman’s dining services web page defines it as endeavoring “to keep up with the everchanging trends in dining services, including offering traditional American cuisine, ethnic dishes, vegetarian/vegan choices, and low-fat dining options.” With that definition, one could say food variety is an all-inclusive system of
dietary variation. But, those with vegan diets argue their inclusion in the cafeteria’s menu. The web page claims there are choices for vegan and vegetarian individuals. So, what are our choices? As a vegan, I always check for traces of meat, milk, eggs, or gelatin in my food. In the cafeteria, I am mindful to communicate with the cooks about my dietary needs. However, the staff is not always sure if the pasta salad has mayonnaise or if there’s butter in the steamed carrots. One of the main issues is the cooks are not entirely aware
of vegan diets and what vegan diets mean in relation to food service in the cafeteria. Another issue is clarity of ingredients. The ingredients of the garden burgers are not displayed on the respective information card. Which means vegans aren’t invited to the cookout— or the pizzeria for that matter. When asked if the pizzas could be made vegan, the pizza chef responded “No, we can’t make pizza for just one person who doesn’t want cheese.” Later, I asked the dining director the same question, and he assured me a cheese-less pizza could be included on the menu. This has yet to be done after weeks. And of course, cross-contamination is bound to occur. The salad bar in the cafeteria contains raw vegetables next to
eggs and cheese that often contaminate the vegetables. Meat and non-meat products are cooked on the same stove. For lactose intolerant individuals, this would be like drinking water from a cup with residual milk in it. So, these are our choices. Vegans and vegetarians at Spelman have some serious concerns: What is my food, what is in my food, and what has my food touched? Our questionable all-inclusive system would benefit highly from a vegan make-over. If even a small corner in Spelman’s cafeteria was made all-vegan, it would drastically change the comfort, communication and clarity between vegan students and cafeteria staff.
wanted to bring to life. They wanted to show their hurt, disappointment and rage of what happened,” said Cartwright. Specifically, the family wanted a memorial on CAU’s campus to celebrate Robinson’s life and create a space of unity. However, CAU was initially hesitant to host the memorial because there was no concrete evidence of Robinson’s innocence. After a discussion with CAU’s President Ronald A. Johnson, the memorial was held but guarded by police. Harrison expresses his dismay in the latest shooting. “The lack of respect …about this case proves that they don’t
believe that black bodies are humane” Harrison said. “They don’t recognize the fact that there is [an] actual life that comes with being black, we aren’t just walking around as robots.” For the black community, this is another life lost to senseless abuse of power. Robinson’s death further highlights the division between law enforcement and people of color.
Up Close and Personal with Spelman’s New Dean (continued) black women in the media. “I am a mother raising a black daughter. I have personally been affected by the representations of black women in the media. As black people, we often write our own narratives based on how other people treat us.” she said. “These narratives can be so damaging, and they begin to have an effect on your psyche without you even realizing it. That needs to change.” Brown-McClure believes that the
most inspiring people are the students she works with every day. She is amazed by the people that walk in her office, their incredible stories, and their resilience. “Every time I hear a student’s story, it makes me want to work harder. That is what keeps my passion going. Looking around this space and seeing all these intelligent, talented black women is moving beyond words. It is special. That is what keeps me wanting to do this,” she said.
CAU Alum Jamarion Robinson Murdered by U.S. Marshals (continued) ...continued from page 1 “Him being a former CAU student, AUCSID has a responsibility to do something for him. We have the responsibility to act on his behalf because if we don’t do it, then we can’t say we are fighting for anything,” said Harrison. When first learning of the death, Harrison and Cartwright immediately contacted the family. The two got together and began to make plans with Robinson’s former friend and CAU alum.
“We hear about what’s going on in other parts of the country and I don’t think a lot of people knows what’s happening in Atlanta or the surrounding area…it made this a more immediate feeling,” said Mathews. Working with other campus and local organizations, they later staged a protest at the CNN center. Through social media, they engaged students on Twitter with hastags #Knowthefacts, #JusticeforJamarion, and #JamarionRobinson. “Whatever the family wanted, we
Pictured: Dean Brown-McClure
...continued from page 1
For more information on AUCISD, follow them on Twitter at @AUCShutItDown.
8 September 2016 www.spelmanblueprint.com
The BluePrint
HEALTH & Wellness The Return of Sports
Tony Director Kenny Leon Announces New AUC Partnership (continued) ...continued from page 3 he founded True Colors Theatre Company, where he promises to “give audiences truth and clarity.” He started the company to preserve theatre classics, and to be “careful of who’s telling our stories.” Leon’s long list of credits includes August Wilson’s “Fences,” which won three Tony’s, and The Wiz! Live, which was the most viewed NBC musical. He works to bring older and younger generations together by incorporating “different voices in the story and making the old feel new.” Visit True Colors Theatre, which offers $10 tickets to students and LYFT ride discounts.
went to the Wellness Center and picked up a form.” “I was extremely excited when I found out Intramural Sports were happening. Why not have fun and meet new sisters while doing something you enjoy?” said Jasmine Bivens, a first year student at Spelman. In 2013, President Beverly Daniel
Tatum ended sports at Spelman in favor of creating a wellness revolution for all students. This meant spending money on creating a new fitness center and activities that could engage the entire campus. Tatum explained to the New York Times that roughly $900,000 was being spent on sports.
“I was startled,” she said. “It seemed like a lot of money for 80 students.” The creation of intramural sports continues the legacy of Tatum’s wellness revolution. It is also an engaging way to bring more students into the Wellness Center – as fans and players.
CURRENT EVENTS Buy Black ATL By: Tyler Stephens
Pictured: Buy Black ATL logo Photo courtesy: Buy Black ATL Twitter page
For the first time, Spelman College has introduced intramural sports. Activities offered include volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, tennis and more. Students have the luxury of creating their own teams. Games can be scheduled against residence halls, sororities, or just a new group of friends. Not to mention, participation is free. “Intramural Sports are programs designed for all students to come out, have fun, and get a little exercise. Major skills are not required,” said Fernando Labra, coordinator of Intramural Sports. “All staff understands the importance of intramural sports and what it will mean to the ladies’ overall college experience.” Volleyball, tennis and basketball will be the first sports for fall season. “I used to play volleyball back in high school, and it really felt weird not playing.” said Romnie Mills, first year student at Spelman. “Registering for volleyball was surprisingly simple. I just
Pictured: Spelman students playing volleyball in the Wellness Center Photo courtesy: @SpelmanWellness Twitter
By: Anuoluwapo Adebowale
Buy Black ATL is an initiative founded by Spelman sophomore Piera Moore. The Twitter page serves to boost support for black businesses and entrepreneurs in the black community. The page highlights everything from cupcake bakeries to art galleries. Moore began Buy Black ATL over the summer out of frsutrations over police killings. “I got frustrated because I wanted
to know how can we, as black people, get back at them in a way that will make a real impact in the long run. So I thought, why not make us rich while supporting each other’s business endeavors,” said Moore. “That way, we’ll be circulating our money amongst our people and stop giving money to people that don’t care about the police killing us. ” The murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile on July 5 and 6 shook the nation. People across the country protested the injustices within the police system and demanded a change in policy. While not as visible as public rally, buying from black businesses is a popular form of protest that encourages entrepreneurship and builds predominately black businesses. From Marcus Garvey to Martin Luther King Jr., activists have long
promoted black nationalism and encouraged black people to become economically self-sufficient. Follow @BuyBlackATL on Twitter for updates. If you know of businesses that should be featured, send an email to letsbuyblackatl@gmail.com.